The Cromford Canal

The Cromford Canal runs between Cromford and Ambergate, a distance of about 5 miles. There are no locks, so the towpath is entirely flat, and it has a good well drained surface.  It runs down the Derwent Valley alongside the A6 trunk road, and the Derby to Matlock Railway. The River Derwent meanders nearby and the canal crosses it on an aqueduct at one point.
Although the route is OK for cycles, it also makes a fine walk, where you can better view the scenery and the abundant wildlife.  The whole length of the canal is a site of Special Scientific Interest and is administered by the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust.
The Friends of Cromford Canal are concerned with maintaining and improving the waterway, since not being a natural feature, it is not self-sustaining.
For further information see:
Derbyshire Wildlife Trust:  Click  HERE
Friends of Cromford Canal:  Click THIS




We start from Cromford Mill, where there are shops, a café and toilets. It was once the largest cotton mill in the UK and it's builder, Richard Arkwright became one of the wealthiest men in the country.



The Cromford end of the canal is here at Cromford Wharf.  Originally it ran all the way to Langley Mill, where it joined the Erewash Canal.

Feeding the ducks is a popular pastime with both children and ducks.  Lots of mallard, coots and moorhens are to be seen all along the canal.



Here is the aqueduct which carries the canal over the River Derwent.  The tall chimney is that of Lea Bridge Pumping Station, where a steam engine was used to pump water from the river into the canal.  The engine has been restored and may be seen working at certain times of the year. The little swing bridge swivels to permit the passage of boats.

 

Entrance to the short tunnel.

And the end.

This house came up for sale some time ago and fetched close on £1m.

 

Back on the A6 road at Ambergate with the Hurt Arms on the right.  Best place for food is the café ahead (behind the caravan).  It is closed on Mondays.

Notes for Walkers
There are several options for walkers regarding access to the Cromford Canal, since the A6 Derby to Matlock road is well served by buses, in particular the Trent-Barton TransPeak service, which runs hourly. 
There are three bus stops of interest;
One at Cromford,  just before the traffic lights, from where it is but a short distance to the Mill and Canal.
Another at Ambergate just beyond the recommended café.
And one at Whatstandwell Station giving the option of  doing either half of the walk.
Although we walked North to South, going in the opposite direction has the advantage of not having the sun in your eyes.